Higher fine for cyclists who ride on the sidewalk?

Cyclists who ride their bikes on the sidewalk along Sheridan Road where the lakefront trail ends to the north could get hit with a $200 fine.

The City Council Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety on Monday advanced a proposal to increase the fine from $50 to $200 for adults riding their bikes in the half-mile stretch between West Ardmore Avenue and West Sheridan Road, which is about 6400 north, in Edgewater.

The $200 fine is consistent with the maximum fine for bicycle violations in the city's code, said Ald. Harry Osterman (48th).

There is a small sidewalk and no designated bike lane on Sheridan Road, but cyclists are encouraged to use Kenmore Avenue to head north and Winthrop Avenue to go south, he said.

Fliers have been posted in the area to alert cyclists not to ride on the sidewalk and police have followed up by issuing citations. Osterman hopes the higher fine will deter cyclists even more.

"We've had accidents where seniors are very significantly injured and not just seniors but with people just walking down the street," he said.

The proposed ordinance will be considered by the full council at its next meeting on Wednesday.